Phillies World Series winner Larry Christenson has died at 72
Christenson, who won a career-best 19 games in 1977, played all 11 of his MLB seasons with the Phillies and was a member of the 1980 title team.
Former Phillies pitcher and 1980 World Series champion Larry Christenson died on Friday morning while on a fishing trip with family and friends in Washington state, the team announced. Christenson was 72.
Known as “LC,” he spent his entire major league career with the Phillies after being selected third overall in the 1972 MLB draft. Over 11 seasons, Christenson pitched 1,402 ⅔ innings, striking out 781 batters and posting a 3.79 ERA.
“It is with great sadness that we just learned of the passing of Larry Christenson, who was a friend for 50 years,” former Phillies third baseman Mike Schmidt said in a statement. “Larry was very special, the guy that kept in touch with all of us, he always had a smile on his face, he never forgot a moment he spent with you. His passing will leave a hole in all of our hearts. May he rest in peace.”
A native of Everett, Wash., Christenson made his major league debut at 19 on April 13, 1973, and pitched a complete game in a 7-1 win over the New York Mets. He went on to help the Phillies qualify for the postseason six times over his 11 seasons. The 220 games Christenson started rank ninth all-time among Phillies pitchers.
Christenson posted a career-high 19 wins in 1977. In the Phillies’ Sept. 27 victory over the Chicago Cubs that year, which clinched the National League East, Christenson earned the win on the mound and hit a grand slam in the seventh inning.
“My heart is heavy today,” former Phillies shortstop and manager Larry Bowa said in a statement. “LC was a tremendous teammate, an outstanding pitcher, and a true friend. Win or lose, he was always the life of the clubhouse. He loved the game and enjoyed every minute of his big league career. He will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
Following his retirement, Christenson remained an active supporter of Phillies Charities, according to the team.
“The club and its fans are forever grateful for his contributions and the legacy he leaves behind in Philadelphia,” the Phillies said in the announcement.